The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on Monday described the former governor of Ogun State and current senator for Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, as “quite an exceptional politician and original Omoluwabi”.
Adeboye mentioned that having lived in Ogun State since 1983, he could honestly attest that Daniel has distinguished himself, never politicized matters with the Church of God, and has consistently kept his promises.
He spoke during the senator’s 70th birthday thanksgiving service at Abraham Tabernacle, Sagamu. Among the attendees were former President Olusegun Obasanjo (represented by his wife, Bola Obasanjo), Ademola Adeleke, former Governor, Sen Ibikunle Amosun, Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Rasheed Ladoja, Alake and paramount ruler of Egba land Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remo land Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Iyabo Obasanjo, and Oladipupo Adebutu, among others.
Adeboye said, “Our beloved Gbenga Daniel was a governor in Ogun State and I have been living in the state since 1983. I have been through the hands of many governors, including the military, but I want to say that Otunba Gbenga Daniel has been quite exceptional.
“In dealing with the church of God, he has not played politics with the church of God, he has not played politics with any of us. He has fulfilled every promise he made; he is not the type who will make a promise in the first term and fulfil it in the second term.
“If you are looking for original Omoluwabi, Gbenga Daniel is one and people like him are quite few. And that is why when he approached me and said that I would be the one to say a few words during his 70th birthday, I said I would alter my busy schedule and be there.
“I respect you, sir. The Redeemed Christian Church of God respects you and wishes you a happy 70th birthday.”
Drawing from Psalms 90 vs 12, Adeboye encouraged attendees to be mindful of their lives, reminding them that everyone will one day give an account of their deeds before their maker. He emphasized that to end well on earth, people must fear God, prioritize holiness, and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.
He further explained that irrespective of one’s status, everyone will eventually account for how they conduct themselves, reinforcing why every soul should embrace God’s fear and live to please the Creator.
Represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Dapo Abiodun commended Daniel for his significant contributions to governance and national development.
Abiodun said, “As Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel brought energy and purpose to governance, laying foundations that continue to support growth and development across our state.”
He added that as the senator representing Ogun East, Daniel continues to serve with the same passion and responsibility, contributing meaningfully to legislation, representation, and the advancement of his constituents.
Congratulating the former governor on reaching 70, Abiodun prayed for continued strength as Daniel dedicates the rest of his life to serving humanity.
Speaking with journalists, Daniel thanked God for the grace to reach 70 and expressed joy over the large turnout of people honoring him, affirming that his decades of service have been appreciated.
He stated, “I feel that I have not served the state in vain. I feel appreciated. Today is one of my happiest days. I think that we must recommit ourselves to the emancipation of our people.
“I have stood with them in the last 25-30 years of my life. And I have seen that at the end of the day, they are a set of appreciative people. I’m happy that many of them have become important personalities in society. That gives me joy. So what I’ll continue to do is to continue to serve the people with the rest of my life.”
On Nigeria’s future, Daniel encouraged citizens to support President Bola Tinubu, describing him as hardworking and intelligent, with a plan to restore the nation’s greatness.
He said, “We have a good president, he is intelligent and has a wonderful plan for the nation. People say that you cannot have a crown without a cross. So we are wearing the cross now and from what we are seeing, the cross is turning to a crown. We are all going to wear the crown of glory.
“Our country is going to be great. We should just remain hopeful and support President Tinubu, who is strongly committed to making the country great and prosperous.”
